And what better bargain is there than five bucks to watch talented high school players strut their stuff in the annual Huntsville Times Classic?

Attendance this week, as in many years, has been terrific.

The crowd was so thick at some games Tuesday night the fire marshall had to lock the doors, allowing only trickles of fans in as others exited the packed Huntsville High School gym.

Not bad for a tournament now in its 28th year.

The success is a great testament to the players, coaches, parents, organizers, students, and the community at large.

The games bring recognition for the city, not to mention the tax revenues generated from meals, lodging and other commerce.

The tournament, which started Tuesday, ends today with the championship game at 6:30 p.m.

An elite few of these young men will likely go on to play college ball. And when you talk about elite basketball players, Butler star and reigning Alabama Mr. Basketball Trevor Lacey remains a top draw in the tournament.

If the past six years is any indication, at least one of the schools in the field will be an eventual state title winner.

Let there be no doubt there are talented coaches, as well. Wednesday's Butler-Selma matchup, for example, featured coaches who had amassed a combined 12 state titles: Six for Butler's Jack Doss and six for Selma's Woodie Jackson.

Huntsville High School has been the host site of The Huntsville Times Classic since its inception in 1983, and it's been a source of pride for this newspaper to sponsor such an event.

The energy, sportsmanship and excitement of high school basketball is always a welcome distraction from the challenges of everyday life.

Enjoy today's games.

And if you're not doing so already, support other local sports teams whether it's hockey, soccer, baseball, softball, arena football and others.